After the death of Rawal Samar Singh (1273-1302 CE), his son Ratan Singh ascended the throne of Mewar in 1302 CE. Ratan Singh got the opportunity to rule only for one year which is famous for the invasion of Alauddin Khilji upon Chittor.

The Reasons for invasion of Alauddin Khilji upon Chittor: 

Following were the major reasons for invasions.

1. Imperialistic Ambition of Alauddin Khilji: Alauddin Khilji was an ambitious and imperialistic ruler. Just like Alexander, he wished to conquer the entire world, whose proof is his title ‘Sikandar Sani’ (Second Alexander). In order to make the conquest of south India and his occupancy on north India permanent, it was essential for him to conquer the Rajput Kingdoms. His invasion upon Chittor was part of the same policy.

2. Increasing Power of Mewar: During the reign of strong rulers such as Jaitra Singh, Tej Singh and Samar Singh, the frontier of Chittor was continuously expanding. Sultans such as Iltutmish, Nasiruddin Mahmud and Balban made efforts to check this ever increasing power, but they remained unsuccessful.

In 1299 CE, Rawal Samar Singh of Mewar not only resisted from providing assitance to the royal army which was proceeding ahead for Gujarat Campaign, but also allowed it to proceed ahead only after collecting fine from the army. Alauddin Khilji could not forget this offensive incident.

3. Geographical and Military Importance of Chittor: The major road which proceeded from Delhi to Malwa, Gujrat and Southern India passed through near Chittor. Due to this reason, it was essential for Alauddin Khilji to occupy Chittor in order to maintain political sovereignty upon Malwa, Gujrat and Southern India. Chittor fort which was built by Mauryan ruler Chitrangad had remained invincible and no Muslim invader had been successful in conquering it till this time. This was also a big challenge for Alauddin Khilji.

4. The Desire to Occupy Padmini: According to some historians, Alauddin Khilji wished to occupy Mewar ruler Ratan Singh’s beautiful wife Padmini. He sent this message to Ratan Singh that if he wanted to save himself from severe destruction, he should send his wife Padmini to the Royal Harem. When Ratan Singh rejected this proposal, Alauddin invaded upon Chittor. According to Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s Padmavat, the major reason of this invasion was to occupy Padmini.

Invasion of Alauddin Khilji: On 28th January 1303 CE, Alauddin Khilji proceeded from Delhi and surrounded Chittor. Ratan Singh gave a violent answer to the royal army, due to which even after two continuous months of enclosure, the royal army could not become successful. In such condition, the Sultan was forced to amend his strategy.

He built tall platforms near the wall of the fort and installed “Manjanakas” (Harpoons) on them. The walls of the fort were stoned heavily, and the invincible walls were not affected a bit. Due to the lengthy enclosure, the food material stored in the fort started to end. Witnessing the signs of destruction all around, the Rajput soldiers opened the gate of the fort and started fighting against the Muslim army.

In this violent struggle, Ratan Singh received martyrdom and on the other hand, first Jauhar of Chittor was performed under the leadership of Padmini In this way, Alauddin Khilji occupied Chittor on 26th August 1303 CE. The next day Sultan ordered his soldiers for mass killing of the resisdents. Amir Khusrau, who was present during this compaign wrote in his composition ‘Khazain – ul – Futuh’ (Tarikhi Ilahi) that in a single day around 30,000 helpless people were put to death.

Alauddin Khilji changed the name of Chittor to ‘Khizrabad’ and handed its administration to his son Khizr Khan and returned to Delhi. Khizr Khan built a bridge on river Gambhiri. He also built a tomb in the foothill of Chittor, on which a Persian inscription which is installed depicts Alauddin Khilji as the blessing of God and the protector of the world.

The Story of Padmini: A King named Gandharva Sen was present in Sinhala Dweep (Sri Lanka). His queen consort champavati gave birth to a very beautiful girl named Padmavati. She had a cute and clever parrot named Hiraman. One day he flew away from his cage and reached a Brahmin. That Brahmin sold the parrots to Chittor ruler Ratan Singh for one lakh rupees.

One day Ratan Singh’s queen put make up and asked the parrot, “Is there any other beautiful woman in the world as I am?” On this, the parrot answered that the pond in which no swan has ever visited in such a pond a heron is assumed to be the swan. Ratan Singh was enchanted when he heard about the appreciation of beauty qualities etc. of Padmini from the parrot and went towards Sinhala along with the parrot in the guise of a yogi.

After facing innumerable difficulties he reached Sinhala Dweep. In front of Padmini, the Parrot appreciated the physique, clan, authority, energy etc. of Ratan Singh and further added that he is the only eligible husband and he has reached here enchanted with your love.

On the day of Basant Panchmi, she went to the temple in which Ratan Singh was staying. As soon as they both saw each other, they fell in love. Finally Gandharva Sen enquired about his clan etc. and got both of them married. After getting married, Ratan Singh returned to his capital chittor along with Padmini.

Raghav Chetan who was ousted by Ratan Singh from Mewar went to Delhi to avenge his insult and appreciated the beauty of Padmini in front of Sultan Alauddin and induced him to invade Chittor. Due to this, Alauddin Khilji proceeded to occupy Chittor. Even after eight years of enclosure when the Sultan remained unsuccessful in occupying Chittor he proposed that even if he could be able to see the reflection of Padmini, he would return back to Delhi.

Rana accepted his proposal but as Alauddin was returning after witnessing the reflection of Padmini, he imprisoned Ratan Singh and demanded Padmini in exchange of his release. After knowing about the entire incident, Padmini made a plan to get Rana released and sent a proposal to Alauddin to visit him alongwith her 1600 female friends. As the proposal was accepted.

Padmini Proeeded alongwith Rajput Soldiers instead of female friends who were seated in the palanquins. After getting included in the royal harem, she expressed her last wish to meet her husband for one last time, which was allowed by the Sultan. When both, husband and wife were meeting, just then the Rajput soldiers rushed upon the Sultan’s army and took away both of them safely to proceed towards Chittor.

When Alauddin came to know about the treason, he followed the Rajputs alongwith his soldiers. Ratan Singh was killed alongwith his army chiefs Gora and Badal and Padmini performed Johar. The story of Padmini, has been historically described by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in his composition ‘Padmavat.

After this the same story has been repeated alongwith some amendments in Akbarnama, Gulshan-e-Ibrahimi, Jafrulvali, Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, stereo de Magore and Nancy ri Khyat. Famous poet Suryamall Misan of Bundi and Various modern historians have not accepted the historicity of the story of Padmini.